After an Oakdale teacher nominated VanHaitsma in early May, he figured he would go along with it: He found he was a finalist and got a call from someone with the Detroit Tigers, who asked if he could throw the first pitch in a June 15 game, the article stated.

VanHaitsma''s program, which relies on help from teachers and parents to keep track of the reading, is small. He said he likes to be able to keep in touch with — and check up on — the students he helps, the article added.